Industry Pro: Publicist Joy Fehily

Publicist Joy Fehily’s client roster includes some of the biggest directors, writers, and other talent in the business.  We at YII admire her ability to juggle running a business, raising two young daughters (one born in early July), and handling these Hollywood heavyweights, and were eager to hear about her career path and get the secrets of her success.

Current position: Owner of Prime Public Relations

College & degree: USC, double major in Communications and Social Sciences

Internship: Various internships in the entertainment industry during the summer before my senior year.

First job in the entertainment industry: Agent’s Assistant at Abrams Artists Talent Agency

Big break: First job in PR at PMK Public Relations

Eureka moment: After college I applied to CSPP (California School of Professional Psychology) where I would earn my masters and PhD in Psychology. Once accepted, I was already working at Abrams Artists and decided to defer a year to see what I thought of the entertainment industry. I had just been offered the job at PMK when the one year deferment was up. I decided to pass on the deferment and try my hand at public relations instead!

Career path: I received wonderful training at PMK. I was then promoted to a publicist at Castle Rock Entertainment where I worked on all of their corporate communications, films and television shows. I returned to PMK after a few years and was eventually promoted to Senior Vice President where I oversaw their film division. In January 2009, I began Prime Public Relations with my partner, Michael Donkis.

Describe a typical work day in your current position:  My work day begins the minute I wake up. We live in a 24 hour news cycle now, so I need to check my emails first thing in the morning. Once I get to the office, I peruse the business happenings via the trades and important websites. My day can then consist of a variety of things – overseeing staff pitches, client schedule coordination, conference calls, photo shoots, studio marketing meetings, premieres, etc. It is a multi-tasking job – I am always on the phone, checking email and instant messaging at the same time.

Worst job (or day) in entertainment industry: Sadly, there are many bad days. To name a few -  1) You can work so very hard on a film campaign and it can open to horrible reviews and a disappointing opening weekend. 2) A client can get in a precarious position and then you have to spend days managing the press and their overall perception. 3) An internationally renowned magazine can interview and shoot your client, yet still call and tell you that your client is being pulled from their cover.

Best job (or day) in entertainment industry: Fortunately, there are also many good days. Most consist of your client winning an Emmy, a Golden Globe or an Oscar.

Best thing about your current job:  Being able to do it from anywhere.

Worst thing about your current job:  Being able to do it from anywhere.

Brush with greatness:  I’ve worked with numerous amazing directors and watching them work is one of my greatest joys.

Secret of your success/advice to the newbie: Be kind and respectful to everyone you work with at every level. This business is built on relationships, so work hard, ask lots of questions, stand your ground, keep your head held high and remember that everyone started somewhere. To anyone that is interested in being a public relations executive – GET TO WORK.  There is no better training than the job itself.

Next move: I just started my own public relations firm, so I’m not moving anywhere right now.

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